Project Manager

Job level: Management
Work location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 26 September 2022

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

The purpose of the Project Manager is to provide project management services to SARAO programme managers and management in the execution of built environment projects to support the construction of major radio astronomy facilities, as well as to provide project management support to more junior Project Managers. To manage built environment projects through the full project lifecycle (initiation, planning, execution, control/monitoring, closing) according to established SARAO procedures.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide project management services to SARAO programme managers and management in the execution of Built Environment projects to support the construction of major Radio Astronomy facilities
• Provide project management support to more junior Project Managers
• Manage built environment projects through the full project lifecycle (Initiation, Planning, Execution, Control/Monitoring, Closing) according to established SARAO procedures
• Creating all project management artefacts as required (Project Management and ancillary plans, budgets, schedules, reports)
• Conduct Procurement according to established NRF policy and procedure
• Support the SHEQ team to ensure Quality Assurance of all project artefacts
• Risk Management for projects
• Experience in delivering projects following Traditional, Agile and/or Hybrid project management approach
• Contract Management according to established SARAO and SKAO procedures (FIDIC, NEC4, CEMAR)
• Stakeholder liaison
• Monthly reporting on the project status to Programme Managers and Senior Management.

Key requirements:
Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or an equivalent honours degree in a suitable built environment field.
• At least 8 years experience in a project management role with demonstrated successful project delivery.
• ECSA, ASAQS or equivalent professional registration (Advantageous).

Experience:

• Managing large-scale built environment projects
• Extensive experience in Contract Management according to NEC4 (preferred), NEC3 and FIDIC
• A Project Management Office environment
• Sound experience with project planning tools (Primavera, MS Project)

Knowledge:

• Project Management life processes, theory, principles, standards and best practice
• Contract Management
• Public Finance Management Act

Additional Notes:
Skills/Ability/Competencies

• Strong decision-making
• Excellent communication – both verbal and written, in English
• Good analytical and planning skills
• Efficiency in a high-pressure environment
• Willingness to work outside normal hours
• Proactive
• Capable of dealing with uncertain environments and reducing uncertainty
• Problem solving
• No constraints on ability to travel within South Africa and internationally

Information:

The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications:

Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant’s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only.